Dog Dental Care

In order to protect your dog's health, it's important to know what you're up against. These are the most common types of dog dental problems:

Periodontal disease
As the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs, periodontal disease is unfortunately also the most serious. Studies have shown it is linked to a variety of health problems, including damage to internal organs. Luckily it's one of the most easily preventable.

Tooth root abscess
Advanced periodontal disease or a broken or cracked tooth can lead to a tooth root abscess, which is an infection that develops in the root of the tooth. There are only two treatment options for this painful condition: a root canal or tooth extraction.

Plaque and Tartar
Food and bacteria can accumulate on teeth and this soft substance is called plaque. If plaque is not removed daily it can harden into tartar. Tartar can dig into the gums and cause infection below the gum line that can eventually loosen the roots of the affected teeth. These teeth will have to be extracted.

Importance of regular dog dental checkups

Bringing your dog in for an annual checkup and cleaning is a vital part of keeping them healthy. During this visit, your dog will be thoroughly checked for any periodontal disease, which includes infection or inflammation of tissues and structures surrounding the teeth.

For minimal stress and discomfort as well as the most optimal evaluation and cleaning, your dog will be under anesthesia and continuously monitored. We’ll perform a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing, and if indicated, we’ll perform full-mouth x-rays to detect deeper problems with the tooth roots.

The doctors and staff of Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center are ready and available to provide emergency and critical care for your beloved companion around the clock every day of the year. Staffed by emergency/critical care veterinarians and veterinary technicians, our emergency team is ready to provide your pet with the highest possible level of quality compassionate care should an urgent medical need arise at any time of day or night.

If you feel your pet is having an emergency, please feel free to immediately come to the hospital - we are ALWAYS available! You may speak with a member of the emergency team if you questions/concerns by calling (914) 241-7700 at any time.